What kind of world do we want after 2015?

Sometimes it can feel difficult to make our voices heard on this big planet. But I just found out about a new website created by the United Nations with civil society groups to collect ideas for solving global poverty problems [including water and sanitation] after 2015. It’s called The World We Want 2015. Like the internet and the United Nations, it’s not perfect. Themes aren’t inclusive, not everyone have access to a computer, and allocated time is too short. But if you’re interested in global conversations regarding “development” after Millennium Development Goals expire in 2015, this is a chance to hear and speak about such issues from January 15th to February 15th.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were identified after the Millennium Summit in 2000. The eight goals cover topics such as poverty, environment, and health. Critics of MDGs cite problems such as lack of justification behind goals, difficulty monitoring goals, or inadequate attention to issues like agriculture or sanitation. Others believe MDGs encourage country progress, help the global sector focus on more than just income, and direct funding towards related projects. The UN has been tracking MDG progress. The 2012 MDG Report indicates targets for reducing extreme poverty, halving populations without safe drinking water, and improving conditions for those in slums have been met. But differences between regions are stark. For example, Sub-Saharan Africa is far behind all other regions. And sanitation targets have not been met worldwide.

People are talking about what should happen after 2015. Should there be another set of goals? Should “development” embrace bottom-up processes? What about foreign aid? Should indicators be universal? Some of these post-2015 topics are documented on The Broker – an online magazine for globalization and development. And The World We Want 2015 website provides an opportunity for civil society groups to engage in similar conversations. There are a few ways to get involved. Join the website using this registration link or follow on twitter at #post2015, #beyond2015, and #inequalities2015.

Comments

The rejection of paying bribes has led me to destruction of family life, enormous mental & physical torture, disturbance in professional life, disturbance in education for my daughter. __ and all these acts can be considered as the inhuman, unpardonable & heinous acts which cannot be forgotten or forgiven in any way. All these 11-12 years I have lost all my precious time & energy to fight for the cause ___ &, you know time once lost cannot be redeemed.

The water resource should be made available to all irrespective of person’s, consumer’s, caste, creed, race, religion & origin & this can be done by enactment of law.

I, my self domestic water connection at home being the effect of my own efforts through the recourse of available administrative support after toiling hard for 11-12 years.

Half the job is accomplished still I am to get all other civic amenities. Other then domestic Water connection & domestic electricity after 11-12 years due to all corrupt officials of the whole systems in India.

The illustration as done above is based on the experience I have had for not being able to get basic civic amenities like water connection, sewerage drainage line, street light, cleanliness area, leading approached road as town planning etc.. That too in an urban area & the city in which I am living has a population of 30 lakhs & is known to be one of the most literate, cultural, historical & moral ethics citizen cities of India.

In view of pathetic living conditions I was living in 13-14 years ___ I had to leave the place of my earlier residence due to un-hygienic filthy living condition & have started living elsewhere thanks to all those corrupt, lethargic, whimsical, political illiterates’ elements & touts who have always wished to let me live under trying circumstances. The old residential place is now becoming threadbare as the days & years go by.___ Look up the matter & come out strongly to give me justice & punish the culprits who are still working in the systems enjoying all facilities, salaries & perks without sensing the feel of wrong doings.

I'm a human living in a global world. I'm trying to participate in a life where people have better access to basic needs and heart desires. I love water and sanitation. A few years ago, I started the Water for the Ages blog.

Sharing thoughts on water and sanitation on multiple scales. Brought to you on the Water for the Ages blog by Abigail Brown. Experienced water resources specialist. Interested water and sanitation citizen.

Past graduate student in the Water Resources Policy and Management Program at Oregon State University. Current graduate student in the Sociology Department at University of California Santa Cruz. Volunteer with PHLUSH (Public Hygiene Lets Us Stay Human).

All opinions expressed on Water for the Ages are only those of myself and not those of University of California Santa Cruz, PHLUSH, or any other person or organization. Thanks.